In today’s world, there are many problems for each of us to solve on a daily basis. Unexpected costs can really cause harm to our budgets, plans and even to the quality of our lives. The more we can save, the better off we are.

Dental health care can be expensive. I once met a mean who told me that he had just spent twenty-six thousand dollars to fix his teeth. That may have included replacement of teeth that had been destroyed by decay or gum disease.

Speaking of gum disease, many people are unaware that it is the number one cause of tooth loss in the world today. Many people are very unaware of this fact and I think it is one that is worth keeping in mind.

When you think about it, if gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss, then it must also be the number one cause of the need to spend a lot of money on teeth replacements. Dentures are not so much in fashion now and implants seem to be the treatment of choice today. The problem with both is that they are expensive. Implants are, of course, the more expensive option of the two.

Yet, insurance seems to pay only a portion of the costs at best. Therefore, you can be fairly certain that getting teeth replacements of any kind will cost money out of your own pocket.

When it comes to dental problems and even prevention, there is never a ‘one size’ fits all approach that can work equally for everyone. One should certainly be under the care of a dental professional at all times and that professional should be keeping an eye on any periodontal problems that you might have.

One item of important value to you is to have your pocket depths monitored. Any depths of 3 millimeters or below are considered a positive sign for your periodontal health. Pocket depths over 3 millimeters are considered a problem and a probably indicator of diseased gum tissue. Of course, you will want to confirm this with the help of your dentist.

To take advantage of this information you will always wish to have your dentist or hygienist measure your pocket depths at every visit. If there is a problem, have them right down where your pocket depths over 3 are.

This is an objective way to check your dental health and the effectiveness of what you do at home. If what you are doing at home is working then you will see a corresponding reduction in your pocket depths at your next visit. If there has been no change or things have become worse, then you know you have to work on what you do at home.

Virtually all dental professionals will agree that what you do at home is going to have the greatest impact on your dental health. Ask them. They know that they can only see you a few times a year. Therefore, what you do at home to prevent problems is of the utmost importance.

One should always be under the care of a licensed dentist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide diagnosis, advice or treatment.